Question

What ion serves as the spectator ion in the complete ionic equation for the reaction: Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) + SO4-2 (aq) --> Cu (s) + Zn+2 (Aq) + SO4-2 (aq)?

Answer 1

The spectator ion in the ionic equation of zinc and copper(II) sulfate reaction is the sulfate ion, SO42-, because it does not participate in the reaction and remains unchanged.

Step-by-step explanation:

The spectator ion in the complete ionic equation for the reaction between metallic zinc (Zn) and an aqueous solution of copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) is the sulfate ion, SO42-. This is because the sulfate ion does not participate in the redox reaction. It appears on both sides of the complete ionic equation and remains in solution unchanged.

Here is the complete ionic equation:
Zn(s) + Cu2+ (aq) + SO42- (aq) → Cu(s) + Zn2+ (Aq) + SO42- (aq)

By comparing the reactants and the products, we can observe that the species that does not change and that appears on both sides of the equation is the sulfate ion, SO42-, thus making it the spectator ion.